London’s cocktail scene has undergone a remarkable expansion, featuring a mix of stylish newcomers and established classics. The city caters to every taste, from hipster bars emphasizing zero-waste policies to five-star hotels offering refined service. Whether you crave tiki vibes, aperitivo elegance, Prohibition-era secrecy, or 1970s retro charm, London’s cocktail bars have it all. Explore Instagram-worthy concoctions, pedigreed espresso martinis, literary-inspired drinks, or menus boasting sustainably sourced beverages. Here’s a curated list of the best cocktail bars in London, ensuring a vibrant and diverse experience for every discerning palate.
1. Bar 45 at 45 Park Lane
Address: 45 Park Lane, London W1K 1PN
Bar 45, located in the stylish Art Deco hotel 45 Park Lane, offers a sophisticated atmosphere with impressive artworks adorning its walls. The ‘Art Form’ menu draws inspiration from these artworks, featuring elaborate drinks like the Infinity Martini and the whiskey-based Nuage. A Negroni trolley provides a tableside preparation of Italian classics. It’s an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks before heading to the hotel’s renowned steak restaurant, CUT.
2. Common Decency at NoMad Hotel
Address: 28 Bow St WC2E 7AW
Hidden beneath the NoMad Hotel, Common Decency occupies the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court. The Belle Epoque interiors and hyper-seasonal ingredients in cocktails pay homage to the site’s history. The menu, curated by bartending duo Leo Robitschek and Liana Oster, offers safe and adventurous options for each main ingredient. The seasonal bar snacks, especially the chicken croquettes, complement the glamorous ambiance.
3. Seed Library
Address: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Seed Library, below One Hundred Shoreditch hotel, is designed by cocktail virtuoso Ryan “Mr Lyan” Chetiyawardana. The 1970s-inspired bar boasts a straightforward yet enticing eight-drink menu, including the spicy Spicy Metropolitan and the fruit-forward Koseret’s Downfall. The venue’s louche aesthetic and seasonally rotating bar snacks, such as deep-fried Mars bars, contribute to its unique charm.
4. The Fumoir at Claridge’s
Address: Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
The Fumoir at Claridge’s stands out as one of Mayfair’s sexiest hotel bars. With a limited seating capacity, the Art Deco-inspired bar features deep purple velvet banquettes, opulent marble, and gold accents. The moody atmosphere is enhanced by black-and-white photographs of movie stars. A carefully selected cocktail menu, complemented by vintage spirits, creates a refined and intimate experience.
5. Joe Allen
Address: 2 Burleigh St, London WC2E 7PX
Since 1977, Joe Allen has been a charming Covent Garden spot, especially for pre or post-theater visits. The addition of Joe’s Bar enhances the experience, offering a moody and wood-paneled space reminiscent of a New York bar. Reasonably priced classic cocktails like Martinis and Manhattans, along with hefty bar snacks, make Joe’s Bar a new favorite in central London.
6. The Little Scarlet Door
Address: Not specified
Part of the Little Door group, The Little Scarlet Door creates an atmosphere reminiscent of an eccentric New York flat. With eclectic decor, film-themed cocktails, and a houseparty vibe, this bar offers a unique experience. The friendly bartenders and modern mezze-style food menu, along with film-inspired cocktails like “Et Tu Mama Tambien,” contribute to the venue’s fun and laid-back ambiance.
7. Downstairs at Morito Hackney Road
Address: 195 Hackney Road, E2 8JL
Situated below Morito restaurant on Hackney Road, this lively cocktail bar boasts vibrant colors and friendly staff. The modernist bar offers delicious citrus-infused twists on classic cocktails. The venue’s orange and vibrant blue decor, coupled with golden uplighting, creates a cheerful ambiance. “Music at Morito’s” on Tuesdays offers a delightful experience, providing rounds of North African, Spanish, and Mediterranean small dishes accompanied by live musical sets from the guest band.
8. Artesian
Address: 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA
Nestled within The Langham Hotel, Artesian presents an elegant bar with opulent Oriental décor and theatrical drinks. The ‘Connections’ themed menu reflects the bar’s relevance after a year of isolation. The ‘Cherry on Top’ cocktail, featuring vodka, oloroso sherry, cherry pistachio cordial, and champagne, stands out in the ‘Celebration’ section. The discreet and friendly service, combined with the grand hotel atmosphere, makes Artesian a sophisticated choice.
9. Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Recently entering the Top 100 Best Bars in the World, Scarfes Bar in the Rosewood hotel offers a refined drinking experience. The welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of a comfortable private members’ club, features courteous staff, an open fire, and plush sofas. Named after Gerald Scarfe’s caricatures, the bar showcases a pop-up menu illustrated by Scarfe himself. Live jazz, soul, and blues music nightly enhance the overall experience, making it a well-worth visit despite the higher drink prices.
10. Tayēr + Elementary
Address: 152 Old St, London EC1V 9BW
Tayēr + Elementary in Old Street introduces a two-part bar concept, combining the informal Elementary and the high-end Tayēr. Elementary offers cocktails from taps and pre-mixed bottles, while Tayēr features inventive mixology in an industrial and sustainably-minded setting. This bar is considered a forward-thinking concept in the evolving landscape of London’s bars.
11. Kwānt
Location: Not specified
Situated beneath Moroccan restaurant Momo in Mayfair, Kwānt is a chic bar founded by ex-Savoy head bartender Erik Lorincz. Drawing inspiration from tiki bars and Casablanca, this stylish bar serves tropical-style drinks with flair. The smart white-jacketed bartenders contribute to the overall sophisticated atmosphere, making Kwānt a notable destination in Mayfair.
12. Sketch
Address: 9 Conduit Street, London W1S 2XG
In contrast to the typical dimly lit basement bars, Sketch offers a sprawling venue with extravagant surroundings. This multifaceted establishment features a sumptuous pink tea room adorned with Chinoiserie patterns and a peculiar round bar with shiny white surfaces and disco lighting. While you might find better cocktails elsewhere, the outrageous and unique ambiance of Sketch sets it apart.
13. Swift
Address: 12 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4TQ
Serving as both a casual aperitivo bar and a serious whiskey lounge, Swift in Soho caters to a diverse clientele. The bright upstairs bar exudes an Italian café vibe, perfect for enjoying a spritz or Sgroppino. Alternatively, the darker downstairs offers a more intimate setting with complex cocktails and an extensive whiskey selection.
14. The American Bar at Savoy
Address: The Royal Academy, 6 Burlington Gardens, London W1J 0BD
Established in 1904, The American Bar at Savoy stands as a historic venue and a testament to the cocktail’s late 19th-century popularity. With a wide range of beautifully presented drinks, discreet service, and a vintage charm, this bar provides an excellent environment for people-watching. The name “American Bar” harks back to the bars serving the newfangled concoctions that originated in the US.
15. Fitz’s at the Kimpton Fitzroy
Address: Corner of Guilford Street and Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE
Fitz’s at the Kimpton Fitzroy, located on Russell Square, underwent a major makeover to become one of London’s most impressive hotels. The glamorous cocktail bar, Fitz’s, rivals the grandest dames of London’s hotel bars. Guests, not just hotel residents, can enjoy spaces like Fitz’s and even participate in cocktail masterclasses led by the genial Head of Bars, Sean Fennelly. The bar offers a journey through cocktail history tailored to individual preferences.
16. Ruby’s
Address: 76 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XB
Situated in laid-back Dalston, Ruby’s offers a choice between an intimate bar with table service and a spacious lounge for wine, beer, and bar snacks. The underground venue exudes a cheerful 60s flea market vibe, and while the cocktail list is simple, it proves effective. Ruby’s is an ideal space for a casual night out.
17. 69 Colebrooke Row
Address: London N1 8AA
Nestled down a side street near Angel, 69 Colebrooke Row embodies everything a cocktail bar should be. The intimate space is impeccably designed to evoke an Italian café, featuring dark furniture, dimmed lights, and courteous white-jacketed bartenders. The drinks are short, strong, and highly original, boasting complex flavors with no extraneous ingredients.
18. Nightjar
Address: 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
Situated behind an unassuming door on Old Street, Nightjar is the quintessential bar for spectacular and theatrical cocktail presentation. Descend the stairs into an elegant and sophisticated basement where drinks with seven or eight ingredients, at least three of which you’ve never heard of, arrive in whimsical brass birds, giant teapots, and alchemist’s flasks.
19. Bar Americain at Brasserie Zedel
Address: 20 Sherwood St, Soho, London W1F 7ED
With an art deco-style design, Bar Americain at Brasserie Zedel offers an intimate and cosseting atmosphere. Most seats provide an unspoiled view of the bar, showcasing a ceiling-height selection of liqueurs, spirits, and vermouths. Despite being located beneath the chaos of Piccadilly Circus, it serves as an excellent escape in the midst of the bustling city.
20. Barts
Address: Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Ave, Chelsea, London SW3 3DW
The speakeasy-style bar, Barts, adds an element of fun by being discreetly located behind a door in a chic Sloane Avenue block of flats. Beyond the tiny vestibule adorned with comic strips lies a vaguely Edwardian parlour-esque space featuring taxidermied animal heads and sabotaged paintings. The expertly made, punchy cocktails contribute to the overall charm, and you might even spot a minor royal among the patrons.
21. The Gibson
Address: 44 Old St, London EC1V 9AQ
Located between Old Street and Clerkenwell, The Gibson is a popular and cheerfully eclectic bar. While initially presenting a vintage Edwardian theme, a closer look reveals a serious obsession with pickles and fermenting. The elaborate menu boasts over fifty drinks with bonkers, Instagram-worthy presentations. The signature drink, The Gibson Martini, is served with a double-pickled onion, adding to the bar’s unique charm.